Cincinnati Bengal’s defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his pension from the NFL on Wednesday after seven seasons with the team.
Hubbard, 29, was named the team captain in each of his last four seasons with the Bengals. He was the longest rented player on the team’s list.
Cincinnati-in-born registered 41 tackles and two bags in 14 matches (all starts) in 2024 before he suffered a seasonal PCL injury in a game against Tennessee Titans. Before that, Hubbard had a 2-yard touchdown catch in Bengal’s victory 37-27 over Titans.
“I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, educators, support staff, Bengal’s ownership and NFL for everything you have all done for me,” Hubbard said on social media. “I couldn’t have done any of this alone. For the fans – like dey nation – I thank you most; you inspired me. From the years with struggle and adversities to Super Bowl Lvi, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.”
Hubbard had 398 tackles, 38.5 bags, six forced fumbles and five Fumble recovery in 104 career games (88 starts) since he was chosen by Cincinnati in the third round of the NFL draft 2018.
Hubbard was also twice nominated for NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The award recognizes a league player for his work outside the field, as well as excellence in the field.
“Sam has always been and will always be a wonderful part of the Bengal organization and the entire Cincinnati community,” said Bengal President Mike Brown in a statement. “When he grew up here he was a top youth athlete at local gridirons and Lacrosse fields before he became a prominent football player in Ohio State. We were lucky enough to prepare him in 2018, and we immediately knew that we add an outstanding player and an even better person to our team.
“Sam shows what you want in a player-he is a fantastic teammate, a talented athlete and a passionate community member. He helped us win a lot of football games, and he had a number of very memorable games over the years. His 98-yard-fumble recovery in Wild card victory over Baltimore is one of the most iconic toe in the most iconic toe. ‘Cincinnati’s own.’ “
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